Jay-Z Gives More Details on Upcoming Philly Festival

Jason Newman

News

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for You Tube

We already told you about Jay-Z'splanned two-day festival in Philadelphia on September 1 and 2, but aside from the announcement that 28 acts were scheduled, details were sparse. The rapper appeared this morning, however, with Mayor Michael Nutter on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to give a few more details, yet chose not to disclose any performers on the bill.

Appearing with representatives from Budweiser (the festival's main sponsor) and United Way, the rapper discussed how he chooses to participate in an event. "Whenever I enter into a project, I try to hit on some touch points, the first being, 'Is it great?'," said Jay. "You can’t hit great every time, but once we start there, we’ll end up in a great place. Second, is it going to push the culture forward? I think this concert will. Third, is there a philanthropic opportunity, and that’s where the United Way comes in. We just did some brilliant work in my Carnegie Hall concert and raised a lot of money to help those less fortunate."

Despite making no official artist announcements, the rapper brought out former Roc-A-Fella rapper Freeway and announced that 70% of the lineup was confirmed. He also spoke on his relationship with the city. "Everyone knows my love affair with Philly, from the amazing talented artists I’ve signed from here to the film work that I’m about to do with Will Smith and James Lassiter." Jay formed the production company Overbrook Entertainment with Smith in 2011.

“We could not be more excited by Jay-Z and his support for education," said Nutter before introducing the rapper. "Philadelphia is a music town; I think we know a little bit about music in Philadelphia.”

The event will take place in Fairmont Park and the festival will give away an unspecified portion of proceeds to local charities. Tickets will be sold beginning on May 23.